The 49ers are dealing with injuries at several positions, an issue that has become a recurring theme. Wide receiver is among the position groups dealing with thinning depth.
San Francisco's receiving corps has already lost Ricky Pearsall, De'Zhaun Stribling, Demarcus Robinson, and Christian Kirk, although Kirk could return soon. Stribling and Robinson are expected back later in the season.
Even the team's biggest free-agency addition, veteran wide receiver Mike Evans, is dealing with a rib issue that will be evaluated throughout the week.
Bleacher Report's Alex Kay named the 49ers among five potential landing spots for Thomas, suggesting that a change of scenery and an opportunity to play in head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense could help the receiver regain his rookie form.
"A trade could be mutually beneficial: The Niners could use another impact wideout, while Thomas could benefit from a fresh start in a more receiver-friendly offense," Kay wrote.
Kay argued that the 49ers should be aggressive in addressing their receiver depth through the trade market.
Thomas (6-2, 209) has already shown that he can be a productive offensive playmaker. As a rookie, he caught 87 passes for 1,282 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. His production dipped in 2025, when he recorded 48 receptions for 707 yards and three total touchdowns, including one rushing score.
This season, Thomas has caught seven passes for 88 yards, averaging a career-low 12.6 yards per reception.
"Taking Thomas off Jacksonville's hands may be risky, but it's also a high-reward maneuver that could pay dividends if the receiver eventually shines in Shanahan's offense," Kay added.
"It might take some time for Thomas to get brought up to speed in the system and build rapport with quarterback Brock Purdy, but the potential payoff of having another legitimate No. 1-caliber wideout in the fold come playoff time is worth the cost."
Kay also identified the Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders, and Pittsburgh Steelers as potential trade fits for Thomas.
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